blizzard

American  

[bliz-erd] / ˈblɪz ərd /

noun

1. Meteorology.

   1. a storm, technically an extratropical cyclone, with dry, driving snow, strong winds, and intense cold.

   2. a heavy and prolonged snowstorm covering a wide area.

2. an inordinately large amount all at one time.

   a blizzard of Christmas cards.

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verb (used without object)

1. to snow as a blizzard.

   Looks as though it's going to blizzard tonight.

blizzard British  

/ ˈblɪzəd /

noun

1. a strong bitterly cold wind accompanied by a widespread heavy snowfall

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blizzard Scientific  

/ blĭz′ərd /

1. A violent snowstorm with winds blowing at a minimum speed of 56 km (35 mi) per hour and visibility of less 400 m (0.25 mi) for three hours.

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Other Word Forms

• blizzardly adjective
• blizzardy adjective

Etymology

Origin of blizzard

An Americanism first recorded in 1820–30 for earlier meaning “violent blow, shot”; compare British dialectal (Midlands) blizzer, blizzom “blaze, flash, anything that blinds momentarily”; probably expressive formations with components of blast, blaze ¹, bluster, etc.

Example Sentences

Henry Pollock, who signed a new representation deal with boxing impresario Eddie Hearn earlier in the week, celebrating Archie McParland's match-winning score with a blizzard of fresh-air jabs was another.

From BBC • Mar. 30, 2026

I started roasting fruit to make better smoothies — fruit that tasted like itself instead of diluted memory, lost in a blizzard of ice and almond milk.

From Salon • Mar. 17, 2026

A snowball fight that spiraled in a blizzard isn’t one of them.

From Slate • Feb. 28, 2026

As a powerful blizzard blankets the East Coast in snow, another force of nature is preparing to take over the chilly streets of Manhattan.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 27, 2026

It’s like trying to isolate a snowflake from a blizzard.

From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam

Related Words

• gale
• precipitation
• squall